My son started nursery in London where all the children blossomed under the joint care of a headteacher, depute head, teachers and nursery nurses.

We then moved to Glasgow where he attended a private nursery, run by nursery nurses. The care he received was good, but the education bore no comparison. If the Scottish Executive is serious about a 3-18 curriculum, it needs to start with nursery schools and teachers, and recognise that curriculum development at that stage is at least as important.

Nursery education, though best achieved through play, is an essential part of formal education.

Jean Davis Dumbarton Road, Glasgow